please reconsider

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "please reconsider" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to politely ask someone to re-think a decision. For example: "I understand your decision, but I hope you will please reconsider."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Reference

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

Please reconsider.

The New Yorker

Please reconsider your art".

The New Yorker

Please reconsider this?

The Guardian - Sport

She says, "Please reconsider".

The New Yorker

Fry added: "Please reconsider.

The Guardian

Please reconsider, Costa.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

We can't wait another four years, I really implore you as a citizen of this country, to please, sir, reconsider.

The New York Times

He said: "Penguin: please urgently reconsider this decision and give the workers – who make your company the huge success that it is – the rights and protections that they deserve".

The Guardian - Books

Guardian columnist Owen Jones, whose book The Establishment was published by Penguin in 2014, said: "Penguin: please urgently reconsider this decision and give the workers – who make your company the huge success that it is – the rights and protections that they deserve".

The Guardian - Books

1936 Lehman May Run for Roosevelt The impression that Governor Herbert H. Lehman of New York will yield to please Rooseveltians and reconsider his decision not to run for another term at Albany grew steadily today [June 23] among delegates gathered here for the Democratic National Convention.

The New York Times

"While I appreciate the congratulations on a result that I worked hard on for years, if you are congratulating me because you have a sexist vendetta against Katie, please go away and reconsider your priorities in life," he tweeted.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Follow the phrase with a brief explanation of why reconsideration is beneficial, providing additional context and rationale.

Common error

Avoid using "please reconsider" sarcastically or aggressively. This undermines its politeness and can escalate conflict. A genuine request should be presented with sincerity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "please reconsider" functions primarily as an imperative, used to politely request someone to re-evaluate a decision or plan. As Ludwig indicates, it's a grammatically sound way to express a desire for someone to rethink their position. It soften the request to consider a different path.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "please reconsider" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to politely request a re-evaluation of a decision or course of action. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's effective across various contexts, including news media, academic discourse, and professional communication. The phrase is generally neutral to professional in register, maintaining a respectful tone. When using "please reconsider", remember to remain respectful, provide context, and avoid sarcastic or aggressive tones. By following these guidelines, you can effectively encourage reconsideration while preserving positive communication. As shown by Ludwig, the phrase has many use cases and can be combined with many slightly different expressions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

i urge you to rethink

Emphasizes a strong appeal for reconsideration.

i ask you to review your decision

Directly requests a re-evaluation of a previously made choice.

i suggest you think again

Offers a gentler suggestion to reconsider.

would you mind re-evaluating

Politely inquires about the possibility of a re-evaluation.

i hope you'll give it another thought

Expresses a wish for further consideration.

it would be great if you re-examined this

Highlights the desirability of re-examining the matter.

perhaps you could look at it again

Suggests another review of the situation.

i'd like to propose a second look

Formally proposes a re-evaluation.

maybe you should rethink your position

Suggests a change in stance after further thought.

i appeal to you to rethink this

Makes a heartfelt request for reconsideration.

FAQs

How can I use "please reconsider" in a sentence?

You can use "please reconsider" to politely ask someone to rethink a decision or action. For instance, "I understand your concerns, but I "please reconsider"." or "Please reconsider before making a final judgment."

What are some alternatives to saying "please reconsider"?

Alternatives include phrases such as "I urge you to rethink", "I ask you to review your decision", or "I suggest you think again", depending on the context and level of formality.

Is it appropriate to use "please reconsider" in formal communication?

Yes, "please reconsider" is generally appropriate for formal communication, as it maintains a respectful and polite tone while expressing disagreement or requesting a change of mind. However, always consider the specific context and audience.

What is the best way to phrase a request using "please reconsider" to increase its effectiveness?

To increase the effectiveness of your request, follow "please reconsider" with a brief explanation of the reasons why reconsideration is important or beneficial. Providing context and rationale can make your request more persuasive.